Live Grand Jan 16 to Feb 13

[Shelby Cruiser]

Please advise how you got to altos de chavon? Did you take the shuttle that is supposed to be running every 15min or so @$7pp round trip or are you taking a Princess tour there? If you took the shuttle, where do you pick it up at & were there long lines waiting to get on?

 

Any thing you can share with us will be greatly appreciated. We have booked the Princess tour to Altos de Chavon but it cost $45pp & we are thinking about cancelling it & just taking the shuttle to save money & that way can come back whenever we please.

 

Thanks for all your wonderful day by day descriptions. We love reading it. We will be on the Feb 13 sailing.

 

Thanks again, Donna.

[EatonDoolittle]

Hi Vickie -

 

Did Barbados still smell like Pumpkin Pie when you got off?

 

 

Andrea

 

 

It is molasses - remember your Caribbrean history - sugar cane to molasses to rum. Barbados is one of the islands that is able to have a great economy based on something other than tourism, thanks to the cane fields.

 

Outside the refinery areas, the air is indeed wonderful - It comes all the way across the Atlantic with nothing to pollute it!

[AliceS]

Please tell me about La Romana. Merci'

[senior lady]

Vickie.......... Lucky you on a warm cruise!!! Woke up to more snow this morning. Is supposed to warm up tomorrow.

 

They also got the bridge fixed in record time. They found a metal structure to replace the burnt one. So they worked around the clock and it opened yesterday in time for rush hour. Only closed for 1 week, instead of 6.

 

Sounds like you guys are having a fantastic time. I love coming home from work and eagerly reading your updates:D

 

Say hi to Bernie

[Drews_Cruise]

Well were all enjoying your posts thats for sure. Thanks for taking the time to answer so many questions. If you happen to hear from someone who took the excursion to the beach hotel in La Romana, we were wondering what hotel they are using? Weve been to a couple of the hotels there and we have a beach day booked for our turn in March. We have 10 to 15 cm of snow coming over night again in the Hamilton area. I can't wait to get out of here. It will take me the first week just to thaw out. , Drew and Rita

[vickie_bernie]

dominican Republic - sunny and hot

 

We docked right in town - it seemed like such a weird location as we could see the baseball diamonds right from the ship and the town is huge -- 200,000 people live in La Romana!

 

When you get off the ship you walk up a small hill and there are lots of signs and people to help (note that most people here don't speak much English - so some Spanish helps) but everyone at the pier does speak English. To the right are the shuttles that take you town $5 per person one way. However you can easily walk, just go over the bridge to the left and walk to town.

 

To the left of the shuttles is a small store (much more expensive than in town - but good if you don't want to leave the port) and that is the ONLY store at the pier. To the left of the store is the taxi stand. You have to take a taxi to Altos De Chavon and all the other locations.

 

We took at taxi to Altos De Chavon and it was $6 per person one way. We were in a full van and they did try and talk us into paying him to wait for us which they said was $5 but we said no! He was quite aggressive (as we found with many of the taxi drivers - but they are just trying to make a living) he drove us thru Casa de Campo which is the main resort here and very nice - but no way could I ever afford to stay there. Altso de chavon charges $5 to get in and it is quite nice, beautiful views, and they have people walking around in period costumes. They had a lovely museum and some cute artistic stores (but you will find all the same stuff in town too). We stay about two hours and took lots of pictures but I can see where some people would really want to pass on this stop. We liked it -- but I wouldn't go back.

 

We came back out to find a taxi to the town of La Romana and our driver (again aggressively) wanted us to use him and he quoted us $25 but we said no and got another driver and it cost us $15 for the both of us which was fare as it is just past the pier and we paid $12 (total) for that trip. Others went to the Marina and they said it was lovely and there were big yachts there, but really not much else (we didn't go there so this is second hand).

 

We walked around the town, lots of card, and people on scooters and motor bikes. We felt 100% safe there, people were very eagger to talk with us and of course sell us stuff. They are pushy kind of like in Jamaca, but not nearly as bad. The main square (park) had lots of vendors set up for the day the ship is in port they had music and dancing in the gazebo and that was enjoyable. We tried crossing this busy street there and after standing for a bit a police man there just for the tourists actually stopped traffic for us.

 

We walked towards the ship and there is a large grocery/department store there called Jumbo and we picked up a few things. They have a large selection of wine and alcohol too. Note their prices are in their Peso, which is approximately take their price and divide by three for US currency. They will give you change in their currency though.

 

We walked back to the ship and walked thru the baseball field to the ship we even chatted with some local boys getting ready to play. So cute.

 

Friends at dinner said they took a taxi to the beach and it was $25. And they arranged for the time to get picked up. They had a great day. There is no beach that you can just walk to. Prices for taxis are posted - but confirm price before getting in.

 

Today was the last formal night and the Captain Circle party, dinner was lobster of course and it was done perfectly (better than at sabatinis).

 

We have not encountered any more problems with getting a table. Only the first two days were there any waits in Anytime. also our wait staff have been fabulous.

 

Also I should note that when we got back on board we ordered roomservice and it picked up right away.

 

tomorrow we are in Grand Turk and we are going to Jacks Shack, so I will report later on that.

 

Oh I watch MUTS tonight and it was a move called "the women" great movie, lots of big names.

[vickie_bernie]

Please advise how you got to altos de chavon? Did you take the shuttle that is supposed to be running every 15min or so @$7pp round trip or are you taking a Princess tour there? If you took the shuttle, where do you pick it up at & were there long lines waiting to get on?

 

Any thing you can share with us will be greatly appreciated. We have booked the Princess tour to Altos de Chavon but it cost $45pp & we are thinking about cancelling it & just taking the shuttle to save money & that way can come back whenever we please.

 

Thanks for all your wonderful day by day descriptions. We love reading it. We will be on the Feb 13 sailing.

 

Thanks again, Donna.

 

Definately do it on your own, and save the money

[vickie_bernie]

Vicki- do you know when Stu is returning? Just trying to keep up on who the staff will be for the Feb 13 sailing.

 

Thanks.

Sarah

 

not sure when he will be returning, if I see him I will ask. He is getting teased on board, everyone is saying he is retiring! But he is not it is just a joke!

[Toto2Kansas]

Just to add a little bit to the La Romana port info.

 

Here are some pics of the walkway up from the ship, the shop that is at the top, and the map posted at the top of the hill that shows information as to where everything is located.

[Shelby Cruiser]

Thanks so much for the info on shuttles to Altos de Chavon. We really appreciate your advice & will cancel our shore excursion through Princess & just take the shuttle.

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise & hoping for smooth sailing.

 

Larry & Donna

[Debbie & Jim]

Hi Vickie, Just wanted to clarify the cost for a taxi to the beach resorts at La Romana - $25 per person one way or $25 per taxi one way? Thanks for all the good info!

[ocnlvr3]

Vickie, Does the Grand have internet access in the cabins? I'm wondering if I should bring my laptop or not.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Andrea

[zellers]

Hi Everyone!

 

Look at what your missing! So far, we have about 25 centimeters - it's still coming down!

 

I don't want to play anymore!

 

See you all Friday - I hope!

 

Heather & Gerry

[obendus]

Vickie, Does the Grand have internet access in the cabins? I'm wondering if I should bring my laptop or not.

Thanks, Andrea

 

Please allow me to answer that my laptop, with wireless-G, works well in my cabin, on the balcony, and in various locations about the ship.

Signal strength varies, but connectivity is never an issue.

Using your own laptop will allow you to open multiple browser windows, whereas the terminals in the internet cafe allow only one window.

 

Hope this helps!

[lovespositano]

Could you look at the Patter and tell me the name of the main band in Explorer's and the main pianist in the piano bar.

 

Thanks!! Enjoy your cruise!

[ocnlvr3]

Thank you for the quick answer:)

 

 

Andrea

[vickie_bernie]

Thanks so much for the info on shuttles to Altos de Chavon. We really appreciate your advice & will cancel our shore excursion through Princess & just take the shuttle.

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise & hoping for smooth sailing.

 

Larry & Donna

 

note it is not a shuttle it is a taxi.... we made the same mistake... the shuttle is to the town of La Romana only.

[vickie_bernie]

Main band in explorers is Junction 21, band in Wheelhouse is Flare. Allready posted who pianist is check back a few posts sorry can't remember his name off hand now... too many lattes :D

 

Debbie and Jim - can't confirm exact cost to beach in La Romana as we didn't do that but it was around $25 or $35 it is quite reasonable and it is a bit of a ways away. They charge to wait around for you, but you can usually get them to wait for free. Definately cheaper to do on your own.

 

Today is the last day of this leg.... they are offering end of cruise internet packages 30 min for $12, 15 min for $8.25

 

Last night was crab legs... and also buffet in HC had lobster claws/crab legs and shrimp! So seafood buffet!

 

Yesterday was Grand Turk, we docked and we were by ourselves at margarita ville and it was a zoo on the beach, not a chair to be had. It is very pretty and the pool is nice too. There are a few shops to check out the wares.

 

We did walk to Jack's Shack which is just a left turn and walk down the beach towards the cement pier and jack in on your right with Red blue and white umbrellas. You can get lounge chairs for $5 and umbrellas (can't remember the cost) we had a few drinks, swam, snorkeled and relaxed it was great and very nice and quiet.

 

Today we are having a CC luncheon in the dining room just for us.

 

We dock tomorrow in Ft. Lauderdale. We are doing a b2b so we are staying on! The Purser's desk called us yesterday to see if we wanted to close our account or carry it forward (first time they have ever done that) we are to meet at 945 to clear security and come back on. They have also invited us to lunch in the dining room for those on b2b but I know for a fact that people on the first day of this trip also ate there.

 

Cheers.

[cruzzers]

Vickie & Bernie, Did you receive a Princess coupon book in your room? Other cruises are getting these and I was just wondering? I think some of the perks were like 2 for 1 coffee cards, discounted pictures, casino offerings....

[vickie_bernie]

Vickie & Bernie, Did you receive a Princess coupon book in your room? Other cruises are getting these and I was just wondering? I think some of the perks were like 2 for 1 coffee cards, discounted pictures, casino offerings....

 

yes every cabin got a coupon book. Note though that you don't need any of the actual coupons to get the deal. All the shops and services that offer the coupons give you the deal anyhow. There is no 2 for 1 coffee card (I would know that one as I love my lattes). Some of the coupons that I remember are casino deal like attend casino at certain time and get $5 play, 10% off perfumes if you spend $250, flowers, etc etc... but again we got all these deals even without the coupon, of course you can fill in your name on each of the coupons for a chance to win the crystal ship.

[vickie_bernie]

Thursday afternoon... our cruise critic group was treated to a special luncheon today in the Traditional dining room. The chef made a special dish of risotto plus we could order off the menu. Many of the officers showed up including the Captain. I spoke with him and he stated that he will be on our next sailing until Caracao and then he is going on vacation. food and Beverage manager were there, Matre D, Passengers Services director and both James (CD) and Stu (deputy CD). Note Stu is back for next contract April 25.

 

Our ship is giving out tokens (small pieces of paper) when you win a contest (ie trivia, morning show etc) you accumulate these papers and redeem them on the last day for a prize. I know it takes 2 tokens for a luggage tag.

 

Cheers.

[coiran]

yes every cabin got a coupon book. Note though that you don't need any of the actual coupons to get the deal. All the shops and services that offer the coupons give you the deal anyhow. There is no 2 for 1 coffee card (I would know that one as I love my lattes). Some of the coupons that I remember are casino deal like attend casino at certain time and get $5 play, 10% off perfumes if you spend $250, flowers, etc etc... but again we got all these deals even without the coupon, of course you can fill in your name on each of the coupons for a chance to win the crystal ship.

 

 

The new value book with the 2 for 1 coffee card does not start till voyages starting or after Feb1

 

Ron

[zellers]

We Have Arrived!!

 

Looking forward in meeting with everyone!

 

See you at the Oasis after the muster drill:)

 

Heather & Gerry

[Walolin]

My wife and I, accompanied by my sister and her new husband (Married on the beach this morning are also onboard!)

 

We are so excited! Thanks so much for posting live! We hope to see you, been reading everything these past few weeks!

 

Denis and Liane Murphy

 

Ps posted from our cabin.. wifi works great

[vickie_bernie]

Today is back to back turn around day. We were up early and it sure was nice to not have to get off! A quick breakfast in the HC and then off to do wash - not bad 3 loads.

 

At 9:45 we met all the other back to backers (20 in all were there) and we were escorted off the ship and then had to wait as the lines for customs were so long. After about 20 min we were directed to customs and then back on board, in all abour 25 minutes.

 

At noon we went to Davinchi dining room for lunch - as per the letter we received we could dine there on the turn around day. Of course we had to call the head waiter over to allow us in at first they said no.

 

Others joined in but and some new people came in and they were told it was only for the back to backers. However I know for a fact last sailing our friends did dine there on the first day.

 

We got off the ship just after that and picked up some wine and a few essentials. We had five bottles and when we came back we had no problem going thru security. We also bought some flowers and brought those on board.

 

It is cool here today and again our sailaway experienced some sprinkles but not as bad as the last sailing.

 

The CC group did meet but because of the weather they went to Skywalkers we said a quick hi and then headed out to the open deck to experience the whole atmosphere. Looks like another great group.

 

Looking forward to another great cruise.

Vickie